Method and apparatus for shunt for in vivo thermoelectric power system

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the present subject matter includes an apparatus with a first housing portion which is thermally conductive and which has a first case opening; a second housing portion which is thermally conductive and which has a second case opening, the second case opening being hermetically sealed to the first case opening, with the first housing portion and the second housing portion at least partially defining an interior volume; cardiac rhythm management electronics disposed in the interior volume; a thermal shunt disposed in the interior volume; and a thermoelectric energy converter disposed in the interior volume and adjacent the thermal shunt, the thermoelectric energy converter having a first pole and a second pole, with the first pole thermally connected to the first housing portion, and the second pole thermally connected to the shunt.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/745,715, filed Apr. 26, 2006,U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/745,724, filed Apr. 26,2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/745,720, filedApr. 26, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety. The present application is related tothe following commonly assigned U.S. Patent Applications which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety: “Method andApparatus for In Vivo Thermoelectric Power System,” Ser. No. 11/681,985,filed Mar. 5, 2007; “Power Converter for use with ImplantableThermoelectric Generator,” Ser. No. 11/681,976, filed Mar. 5, 2007.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to thermoelectric energy converters,and more particularly to methods and apparatus regarding a shunt for invivo thermoelectric power systems.

BACKGROUND

As electronics become increasingly miniaturized, existing applicationsof electronic technology become more space efficient, and newapplications of electronic technology become possible. For example,self-powered electronic devices continually become smaller and morespace efficient, creating opportunities for new applications. This trendis demonstrated by implantable medical devices.

But self-powered devices could benefit further from reductions in thesizes of their power sources. Current applications do not supplement orreplace power sources inside devices with available external energysources. Energy could be gathered from external power sources so long asdesign changes do not reduce the useable energy available toself-powered devices, or negatively impact the rate at which energy isavailable.

One external energy source available in some applications is a thermalgradient. The tendency for heat to flow across a thermal gradientcreates opportunities to generate energy. Some devices have used thisphenomenon to generate electricity. But existing designs are notcompatible with the size or power requirements of some self-poweredimplantable devices. Thus, what are needed are new thermoelectric powersystem designs compatible with these applications, which can supplementthe energy available from traditional power sources.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a hermeticallysealed, implantable housing at least partially defining an interiorvolume and having a first portion and a second portion, a thermal shuntdisposed in the interior volume and disposed along a first housingportion, a thin film thermoelectric energy converter disposed in theinterior volume and adjacent the thermal shunt, the thermoelectricenergy converter having a hot and a cold pole, with the hot polethermally connected to the second housing portion, and the cold polethermally connected to the shunt, a thermally conductive grease disposedbetween the first pole and the first housing portion, and furtherdisposed between the second pole and the thermal shunt, wherein the thinfilm thermoelectric energy converter is adapted to power cardiac rhythmmanagement electronics which include a primary battery adapted to powera defibrillation capacitor.

Another embodiment of the present subject matter includes a sealed,implantable housing having a first portion and a second portion, athermal shunt disposed and sealed in the housing, with the thermal shuntthermally connected to the first portion of the sealed, implantablehousing and a thermoelectric energy converter disposed and sealed in thehousing, the thermoelectric energy converter having a first pole and asecond pole, with the first pole thermally connected to a second housingportion, and the second pole thermally connected to the thermal shunt.

One embodiment of the present subject matter includes connecting athermoelectric energy converter to a device case, such that a first poleof the thermoelectric energy converter is thermally connected to a firsthousing portion, and a second pole of the thermoelectric energyconverter is thermally connected to a second housing portion, with theconnected first and second housing portions defining an interior volumein which the thermoelectric energy converter is disposed, connecting thethermoelectric energy converter to cardiac rhythm management electronicsdisposed in the interior volume and powering the cardiac rhythmmanagement electronics at least partially with the thermoelectric energyconverter.

Another embodiment of the present subject matter includes a first cuppedhousing portion including titanium and having a first case opening, asecond housing portion including titanium and having a second caseopening, the second case opening being hermetically sealed to the firstcase opening, with the first housing portion and the second housingportion at least partially defining an interior volume, a secondarybattery disposed in the interior volume, a defibrillation capacitordisposed in the interior volume, cardioverter defibrillator electronicsdisposed in the interior volume and a thin film thermoelectric energyconverter disposed in the interior volume, the thermoelectric energyconverter having a hot pole and a cold pole, with the hot pole thermallyconnected to the first housing portion, and the cold pole thermallyconnected to the second housing portion, wherein the thin filmthermoelectric energy converter is connected to the secondary battery,the defibrillation capacitor, and the cardioverter defibrillationelectronics, and the cardioverter defibrillation electronics are adaptedto control the conduction of energy between the thermoelectric energyconverter, the secondary battery, and the defibrillation capacitor.

One embodiment of the present subject matter includes thermoelectricenergy conversion means for converting a temperature differential intoenergy, sealed housing means for housing the thermoelectric energyconversion means and cardiac rhythm management electronics and shuntmeans for conducting thermal energy from the sealed housing means to thethermoelectric energy conversion means.

Several options are contemplated. Embodiments are included in which thethermal shunt includes copper. Some embodiments are included in whichthe thermal shunt includes a heat pipe. In some embodiments thethermoelectric energy converter includes thermopiles. Embodiments areincluded in which the sealed, implantable housing is hermeticallysealed. In some embodiments a thermally conductive grease is disposedbetween the first pole and the first housing portion, and furtherdisposed between the second pole and the thermal shunt. Some embodimentsare included in which the first pole is a hot pole. In some embodimentsthe first pole is a cold pole. Embodiments are included in which theshunt includes one or more beams extending through a battery, thebattery being disposed in the interior volume. In some embodiments thefirst housing portion includes titanium. Some embodiments are includedin which the shunt defines a shunt interior volume in which a battery isdisposed. In some embodiments the battery is a secondary battery, andthermoelectric energy converter is adapted to charge the battery.Embodiments are included in which the thermoelectric energy converter isdisposed in the shunt interior volume. In some embodiments the shunt isan anisotropic composite. Some embodiments are included in which theanisotropic composite includes carbon fiber suspended at least partiallyin a cured resin. In some embodiments the thermoelectric energyconverter is a thin film thermoelectric energy converter. Embodimentsare included in which the thermoelectric energy converter is less than0.100 thick. In some embodiments the cardiac rhythm managementelectronics include a primary battery adapted to power a defibrillationcapacitor. Some embodiments are included in which the thermoelectricenergy converter is adapted to power pacemaker electronics. In someembodiments the cardiac rhythm management electronics include asecondary battery, and the thermoelectric energy converter is adapted topower the secondary battery. Embodiments are included in which thesecondary battery is adapted to power pacemaker electronics. In someembodiments the secondary battery is adapted to power a defibrillationcapacitor.

This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the presentapplication and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatmentof the present subject matter. Further details about the present subjectmatter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Otheraspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the following detailed description and viewing thedrawings that form a part thereof, each of which are not to be taken ina limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a self-powered device, according to one embodiment of thepresent subject matter.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the self-powered device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a self-powered device, according to oneembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a self-powered device, according to oneembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus for convertingpower from a thermoelectric energy converter, according to oneembodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross section side view of a self-powered device,according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a thermoelectric energy converter andadditional components disposed in a shunt, according to one embodimentof the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a shunt and a thermoelectric energyconverter, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 is cross section or a self-powered device showing thermalgradients, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus for convertingpower from a thermoelectric energy converter, according to oneembodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the present subject matter refersto subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way ofillustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the presentsubject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thepresent subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various”embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the sameembodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment.The following detailed description is demonstrative and not to be takenin a limiting sense. The scope of the present subject matter is definedby the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalentsto which such claims are entitled.

Thermoelectric devices convert thermal gradients to energy, and visaversa. These devices include an interface between dissimilar materials.In some cases the dissimilar materials are metals. In some instances thedissimilar materials are semiconductors. Additional materials whichdemonstrate the Seebeck effect fall within the present scope.

Despite the availability of materials which demonstrate the Seebeckeffect, some applications have yet to benefit from thermoelectrictechnology. Problems include an inability for some applications to useavailable thermal gradients. Additionally, some existing designs are toolarge for practical implantation.

Various embodiments within the scope of the present subject matterprovide a thermoelectric energy conversion system for a self-powereddevice. Self-powered devices contemplated by the present subject matterinclude implantable devices. Implantable devices contemplated by thepresent subject matter include, but are not limited to, cardiac rhythmmanagement devices, neurostimulation devices, and other devices notexpressly listed herein. In various embodiments, the thermoelectricenergy conversion system of the present subject matter operates insidean implantable device, using a thermal gradient present at theimplantable device. The embodiments provide enough energy to powerelectronics within the device.

FIG. 1A shows a self-powered device, according to one embodiment of thepresent subject matter. In various embodiments, the self-powered deviceis suited for use as an implantable medical device. In some of theseembodiments, the self-powered device is a cardiac rhythm managementdevice. In additional embodiments, the device is a neurostimulationdevice. These are only some of the self-powered devices contemplated bythe present subject matter. The present subject matter extends toadditional devices not expressly listed herein. This front view shows aheader 102, and a housing 110. In various embodiments, the housing 110includes titanium. In additional embodiments, the housing 110 includesstainless steel. Other materials for the housing 110 which arecompatible with implanting electronics can optionally be used.

Within housing 110, in some embodiments of the present subject matter,is a power source 104. Power source 104 includes a primary battery, invarious embodiments. Some embodiments use one or more lithium ionbatteries. Of these, some embodiments use one or more lithium manganesedioxide batteries. Other known primary battery compositions are also beused, in various embodiments. Additionally, power source 104, in variousembodiments, includes a secondary battery. Secondary batteries withinthe present subject matter include rechargeable lithium ion types. Otherknown secondary batteries are also used. Also, in some embodiments,power source 104 includes a capacitor. Aluminum electrolytic capacitorsare used in some embodiments of the present subject matter. Othercapacitor compositions additionally fall within the present scope.

Power source 104, in various embodiments, could include a combination oftwo or more of a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a capacitor.Power source 104, in various embodiments, provides a power source whichis available for use in concert with thermoelectric energy converter106. In various embodiments, power source 104 is used in applicationswhere a power source is needed which delivers power at a rate differentfrom a thermoelectric energy converter. In various embodiments, powersource 104 is used for powering electronics when a thermal gradient isnot available. Embodiments not including power source 104 additionallyfall within the present scope.

The present subject matter provides a thermoelectric energy converter106 inside of housing 110. In various embodiments, housing 110 includesa first housing portion which is thermally conductive and which has afirst housing opening. Housing 110 additionally includes, in variousembodiments, a second housing portion which is thermally conductive andwhich has a second housing opening. In various embodiments, the secondhousing opening is hermetically sealed to the first housing opening. Invarious embodiments, the first housing portion and the second housingportion at least partially define an interior volume. Thermoelectricenergy converter 106, in various embodiments, is disposed in theinterior volume.

Thermoelectric energy converter has a hot pole and a cold pole. Invarious embodiments, the hot pole is thermally connected to the firsthousing portion. In additional embodiments, the cold pole is thermallyconnected to the second housing portion. Configured as such, theself-powered device demonstrated in the present embodiment includeswithin its housing a thermoelectric energy converter, including the hotpole and the cold pole of the thermoelectric energy converter.

Such a configuration is useful to power additional electronics 108, invarious embodiments. In some embodiments, cardiac rhythm managementelectronics are disposed in the interior volume of housing 110. In someembodiments, neurostimulation electronics are disposed in the interiorvolume of housing 110. Other electronics variants not expressly listedherein are additionally contemplated by the present subject matter. Insome embodiments, the electronics include cardioverter defibrillatorelectronics. In some embodiments, the additional electronics 108 arepowered solely by the thermoelectric energy converter 106, and anadditional power source 104 is not included in the device.

In some embodiments, the thermoelectric energy converter 106 is adaptedto power pacemaker electronics. In some of these embodiments, powersource 104 is included in the device, but does not power pacemakerelectronics. For example, power source 104 can provide power for adefibrillation capacitor. In some embodiments using a thermoelectricenergy converter 106 to power pacemaker electronics, power source 104 isnot included.

In some embodiments, the additional electronics 108 are powered by boththe thermoelectric energy converter 106 and the power source 104. Invarious embodiments, the choice of what power source to use to poweradditional electronics 108 depends on the energy rate which should to beavailable. For example, in some embodiments, the thermoelectric energyconverter produces power at a rate too low to deliver energy for adefibrillation pulse. In some of these embodiments, power source 104includes a capacitor used to provide a defibrillation pulse to apatient.

In some embodiments having a power source 104 including a capacitor,multiple capacitor pulses are needed to treat a patient. In thesesituations, some capacitors are not big enough to hold charge suitablefor delivery of multiple pulses. Such housings require an additionalpower source which can discharge at a high rate to charge the capacitorbetween defibrillation pulses. In various embodiments, thethermoelectric energy converter 106 cannot discharge at a high enoughrate to charge a capacitor in between defibrillation pulses. In suchembodiments, additional power source 104 includes additional components,such as a battery, to charge the capacitor at a rate higher than isavailable from the thermoelectric energy converter 106. In someembodiments, a primary battery is used. Additional embodiments use asecondary battery. Some embodiments use a combination of a primarybattery and a secondary battery.

The present subject matter enables a smaller battery to be used tocharge a capacitor, in various embodiments. Over the course of theservice life of the self-powered device, a battery/capacitor combinationmay be called upon to deliver therapies multiple times, over multipleepisodes. For example, a device may deliver 2 pulses during an episode,and may encounter one episode per year, for 5 years. Batteries indefibrillators are known to last between 3 and 7 years. To provideenergy for multiple episodes, a battery should be sized to operatesufficiently during multiple episodes. However, if the battery need onlybe sized to function appropriately during one episode, it may besmaller. Battery discharge during the episode can be replenished usingthe thermoelectric device, in various embodiments of the present subjectmatter.

To provide useful power, the thermoelectric energy converter 106 shouldbe able to harvest thermal energy from the human body and convert itinto usable power. Various embodiments of the present subject matter areconfigured to provide power when a thermal gradient exists which isbetween approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius, and approximately 5.0 degreesCelsius. Some embodiments provide power using a thermal gradient ofapproximately 4.3 degrees Celsius. In some of embodiments, thethermoelectric energy converter is adapted to produce power when exposedto a thermal gradient of approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius toapproximately 1.5 degrees Celsius. Various embodiments of the presentsubject matter are configured such that the thermoelectric energyconverter is adapted to produce from about 5 microwatts when exposed toa thermal gradient of approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius, to about 80microwatts when exposed to a thermal gradient of approximately 4.3degrees Celsius. In some examples, the thermoelectric energy converteris adapted to produce approximately 30 microwatts when exposed to athermal gradient of approximately 1.0 degrees Celsius. These powerproduction examples are evinced in some of the configurationscontemplated by the present subject matter, but are not intended to belimiting of the range of configurations contemplated by the presentsubject matter. Additionally, the thermal gradients provided herein, andtheir relationship to power production, are those of example embodimentswhich are illustrative of the present subject matter, but notdemonstrative of the entire range of configurations contemplated by thepresent subject matter.

Various types of thermoelectric energy converters are used within thepresent subject matter. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric energyconverter includes thermopiles. In some embodiments, the thermoelectricenergy converter is a thin film thermoelectric energy converter. Somethermoelectric energy converters include a superlattice. Somethermoelectric energy converters operate using thermotunneling. Otherknown thermoelectric designs which meet packaging and power requirementsof implantable self-powered devices additionally fall within the presentscope.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the self-powered device of FIG. 1A.Pictured in the view are header 102 and housing 110. The housing 110 iscomprised, in various embodiments, of a first portion 112 and a secondportion 114. In various embodiments, first portion 112 is cup shaped andincludes a first aperture conformed to a second aperture of the secondportion 114, wherein the first and second apertures are hermeticallysealed at seam 150.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section of a self-powered device 224, according toone embodiment of the present subject matter. Various embodiments of thepresent subject matter include a housing. In various embodiments, thehousing includes a first housing portion 202 and a second housingportion 214. Various embodiments additionally include electronics 210,an additional power source 212, and a thermoelectric energy convertersystem 204.

In some embodiments, the first housing portion 202 is cup shaped and thesecond housing portion 214 is cup shaped. In some examples, the firsthousing portion and the second housing portion meet, with respectiveopenings conforming to one another along plane 222. Although the firsthousing portion 202 and the second housing portion 214 of the presentsubject matter demonstrate such a configuration, other configurationsare possible, including ones in which first housing portion 202 andsecond housing portion 214 conform to one another along an irregularinterface. In various embodiments, the first housing portion 202 and thesecond housing portion 214 are mechanically connected. Some embodimentsare welded together. In some embodiments, a laser weld joins the firsthousing portion 202 and the second housing portion 214.

In various embodiments of the present subject matter, the thermoelectricenergy converter system 204 is thermally connected to the first housingportion 202 and the second housing portion 210. For example, someembodiments position a hot pole 218 of a thermoelectric energy convertersystem 204 adjacent a first housing portion 202, such that the hot poleand the first housing portion are in thermal conduction. In additionalembodiments, the cold pole 220 of the thermoelectric energy convertersystem 204 is positioned adjacent the second housing portion 214, suchthat the cold pole 220 and the second housing portion 214 are in thermalconduction.

In various embodiments, performance of the thermoelectric energyconversion system 204 is enhanced due to reduced thermal conductionbetween first housing portion 202 and second housing portion 214. Someembodiments of the present subject matter utilize materials for thefirst housing portion 202 and/or the second housing portion 214 whichare less thermally conductive. Some embodiments, for example, usehousing portions constructed of titanium. Titanium has a thermalconductivity of approximately 17 Watts per meter Kelvin, in variousembodiments. Additional embodiments use housing portions constructed ofstainless steel. Some embodiments of the present subject matter use 3161stainless steel. Some embodiments of the present subject matter use astainless steel having a thermal conductivity of approximately 16 wattsper meter Kelvin. Other materials for the first and/or second housingportions fall within the present scope.

In some embodiments, the performance of the thermoelectric energyconversion system 204 is enhanced by an interconnection between thefirst and second housing portions and their respective connections tothe hot and cold pole of the thermoelectric energy conversion system.For example, connection 216, in various embodiments, enhances thermalconductivity between second housing portion 214 and cold pole 220 usinga thermally conductive grease. Other mediums which enhance thermalconductivity are additionally contemplated, including, but not limitedto, epoxy and other adhesives. In some examples, a thermally conductivegrease has a thermal conductivity of from about 4 Watts per meter Kelvinto about 5 Watts per meter Kelvin. Additional embodiments weld cold pole220 to second housing portion 214. Some embodiments include a thermallyconductive filler material which thermally interconnects the secondhousing portion 214 and the cold pole 220. These configurations forconnecting the cold pole 220 and the second housing portion 214 apply toconnections to the first housing portion 202 and the hot pole 218, invarious embodiments.

In various embodiments, the thermoelectric energy converter system 204has a thickness of D1. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric energyconverter is less than the thickness of the thermoelectric energyconverter system. Some embodiments include a thermoelectric energyconverter system 204 which is less than the thickness D2 of the device224 in which it is housed. In some embodiments, the thickness D1 is lessthan 0.020 inches thick. Some embodiments are between 0.020 inches and0.040 inches thick. Embodiments of the present subject matter arebetween 0.040 inches and 0.100 inches thick. Embodiments having athickness D1 which is greater than 0.100 inches thick are alsocontemplated. These combinations are provided for illustration and arenot intended to be limiting as the present subject matter contemplatesthicknesses which are not listed herein expressly.

In some embodiments, the connected first housing portion and secondhousing portion have a substantially plate shaped exterior. In someembodiments, the plate shaped exterior has a first planar surface and asecond planar surface, wherein the thermoelectric energy convertersystem 204 is plate shaped and is disposed in the housing such that athickness of the thermoelectric energy converter extends away from oneof the first planar surface and the second planar surface.

In various embodiments, the device 224 is exposed to a thermal gradientΔT. In various embodiments, the thermal gradient ΔT is from about 0.5degrees Celsius to about 4.3 degrees Celsius. In additional embodiments,the thermal gradient ΔT is from about 0.5 degrees Celsius to about 1.5degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, the thermal gradient ΔT is about1.0 degrees Celsius. For example, in one embodiment, the hot pole is at37.0 degrees Celsius, and the cold pole is at 35.5 degrees Celsius.

Transposing this thermal gradient ΔT to the thermoelectric energyconverter system 204 with a small decrease in thermal gradient ΔT isdesirable. As such, in some embodiments, a thermally insulative insertis disposed between first housing portion 202 and second housing portion214. In some embodiments, the thermally insulative insert is epoxy. Insome embodiments, the thermally insulative insert is conformed to firstportion 202 and second portion 214 and is hermetically sealed to thoseportions.

Various methods for assembly fall within the present subject matter.Various embodiments include connecting a thermoelectric energy converterto a device housing, such that a hot pole of the thermoelectric energyconverter is connected to a first housing portion, and a cold pole ofthe thermoelectric energy converter is connected to a second housingportion, with the connected first and second housing portions definingan interior volume in which the thermoelectric energy converter isdisposed. Additionally, various embodiments include disposing aconverter inside an interior volume defined by a first housing portionand a second housing portion, such that of the thermoelectric energyconverter are respectively connected to the first housing portion andthe second housing portion.

Some embodiments include packaging, in the interior volume, adefibrillation capacitor powered by a battery. In some embodiments, thebattery is a primary battery. In additional embodiments, the battery isa secondary battery.

Various embodiments include connecting the thermoelectric energyconverter to cardiac rhythm management electronics disposed in theinterior volume. For example, some embodiments include connectingpacemaker electronics disposed in the interior volume to thethermoelectric energy converter, such that the pacemaker electronics arepowered by the thermoelectric energy converter. Some embodiments includeconnecting the thermoelectric energy converter to neurostimulationelectronics disposed in the interior volume.

In various embodiments, therapy electronics (such as cardiac rhythmmanagement electronics, neurostimulation electronics, etc.) and asecondary battery are connected to the thermoelectric energy converter.In some of these embodiments, the secondary battery powers the therapyelectronics. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric energy converterpowers the therapy electronics. In some embodiments, the thermoelectricenergy converter powers the secondary battery exclusively. Someembodiments include powering a capacitor with the secondary battery.Capacitors contemplated by the present subject matter include capacitorsused as the primary power source for providing shocks fordefibrillation.

Some embodiments of the present subject matter include methods ofimplanting a device having a thermoelectric energy converter of thepresent subject matter in a patient such that the first housing portionis positioned subcutaneously. Embodiments of the present subject matteradditionally include positioning a housing submuscularly. The presentsubject matter includes additional embodiments, however, which positionthe device in other areas of the body.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a self-powered device, according to oneembodiment of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, ahousing 310 includes a first portion 302, a second portion 306, and aninsert 304. Transposing thermal gradient ΔT₂ to the thermoelectricenergy converter system decrease in thermal gradient ΔT₂ is desirable.As such, in some embodiments, insert 304 is disposed between firsthousing portion 302 and second housing portion 306.

In various embodiments, insert 304 is of a lower thermal conductivitythan the first portion 302. In additional embodiments, the insert 304 isof a lower thermal conductivity than the second portion 306. In someembodiments, insert 304 includes a thermally insulative material. Someembodiments include a cured resin. In some embodiments, the thermallyinsulative insert 304 is epoxy. Various additional embodiments includeother materials. In some embodiments, the thermally insulative insert isconformed to first portion 302 and second portion 306 and ishermetically sealed to those portions.

Some embodiments do not include an insert, and instead rely on a firstportion of a housing and a second portion of a housing each having a lowthermal conductivity. For example, some embodiments include a firstportion of a housing and a second portion of a housing, with the twoportions assembled to one another and defining an interior space. Withinthe interior space, a thermoelectric energy conversion system extendsbetween the first and second housing portions, in various embodiments.The first and second housing portions include a low conductivitymaterial, in various embodiments. But because, in various embodiments,the first and second energy housings are thin, having a thickness ofapproximately 0.012 inches, heat passes through them, traveling to thethermoelectric energy conversion system. These embodiments create athermal gradient which is sufficient to power a thermoelectric energyconversion device.

Various methods for assembly fall within the present subject matter.Various embodiments include connecting a thermoelectric energy converterto a device housing, such that a hot pole of the thermoelectric energyconverter is connected to a first housing portion, and a cold pole ofthe thermoelectric energy converter is connected to a second housingportion, with the connected first and second housing portions definingan interior volume in which the thermoelectric energy converter isdisposed. Additionally, various embodiments include disposing aconverter inside an interior volume defined by a first housing portionand a second housing portion, such that of the thermoelectric energyconverter are respectively connected to the first housing portion andthe second housing portion.

Some embodiments include packaging, in the interior volume, adefibrillation capacitor powered by a battery. In some embodiments, thebattery is a primary battery. In additional embodiments, the battery isa secondary battery.

Various embodiments include connecting the thermoelectric energyconverter to cardiac rhythm management electronics disposed in theinterior volume. For example, some embodiments include connectingpacemaker electronics disposed in the interior volume to thethermoelectric energy converter, such that the pacemaker electronics arepowered by the thermoelectric energy converter.

In various embodiments, cardiac rhythm management electronics and asecondary battery are connected to the thermoelectric energy converter.In some of these embodiments, the secondary battery powers the cardiacrhythm management electronics. In some embodiments, the thermoelectricenergy converter powers the cardiac rhythm management electronics. Insome embodiments, the thermoelectric energy converter charges thesecondary battery exclusively. Also, some embodiments include powering adefibrillation capacitor with the secondary battery.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross section of a self-powered implantable devicehaving a thermal shunt, according to one embodiment of the presentsubject matter. Various embodiments of the present subject matterinclude a first housing portion 414 which is thermally conductive andwhich has a first case opening. Various embodiments include a secondhousing portion 402 which is thermally conductive and which has a secondcase opening, with the material defining the second case opening beinghermetically sealed to the material defining the first case opening, andwith the first housing portion and the second housing portion at leastpartially defining an interior volume. The present subject matterincludes additional electronics 408 disposed in the interior volume, invarious embodiments. In some embodiments, the additional electronicsinclude cardiac rhythm management electronics.

Various embodiments additionally include a thermal shunt 412 disposed inthe interior volume. The thermal shunt 412 is constructed such that heatat first housing portion 414 is conducted to the thermoelectric energyconverter. As such, in various embodiments, the thermal shunt isconstructed from a material having a high thermal conductivity.Materials contemplated by the present subject matter include, but arenot limited to, copper, aluminum, silver, other materials and alloysthereof. Another possible material is a carbon fiber composite having astructure which is anisotropic and which demonstrates a high level ofthermal conductivity. An anisotropic material is beneficial as itreduces the amount of energy conducted to an additional power source 410and additional electronics 408. In various embodiments, the anisotropicmaterial includes carbon fiber strands held in an orientation by a curedresin. In some of these embodiments, epoxy is the cured resin. Diamondpowder is an additional material which is suitable for construction of ashunt, according to various embodiments of the present subject matter.Other materials which are thermally conductive additionally fall withinthe present scope. One embodiment uses a shunt which is a heat pipe.

Thermal shunt 412 is interconnected to other components in a variety ofways. In some examples, the shunt is interconnected to the first housingportion 414 using a weld. In additional examples, the shunt isinterconnected to the first housing portion 414 with a thermal greasehaving a high thermal conductivity. In some embodiments, an adhesiveinterconnects thermal shunt 412 to other components. Additional mediumsare also contemplated, including but not limited to, epoxy andadditional adhesives.

Also, various embodiments include a thermoelectric energy converter 404disposed in the interior volume and adjacent the thermal shunt, thethermoelectric energy converter having a first pole 416 and a secondpole 418, with the first pole thermally connected to the first housingportion, and the second pole thermally connected to the shunt. Invarious embodiments, the first pole 416 is a hot pole. In variousembodiments, the second pole 418 is a cold pole. The thermoelectricenergy converter 404, in various embodiments, is film shaped. In someembodiments, the thermoelectric energy converter 404 is a thin filmdevice.

FIG. 5 shows a partial cross section side view of a self-powered device,according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Variousembodiments of the present subject matter include a thermoelectricenergy converter 504 which is in adjacent a thermal shunt havingmultiple beams 506A, 506B, . . . , 506X. In various embodiments, themultiple beams 506A, 506B, . . . , 506X are configured for passagethrough various components 514 of a self-powered device. In someembodiments, the multiple beams 506A, 506B, . . . , 506X pass through anadditional power source. In some of these embodiments, the multiplebeams 506A, 506B, . . . , 506X pass through a battery. In some of theseembodiments, the multiple beams 506A, 506B, . . . , 506X pass through acapacitor. In additional embodiments, the multiple beams 506A, 506B, . .. , 506X pass through electronics.

In various embodiments, the multiple beams 506A, 506B, . . . , 506X aretubular columns of a conductive material. Materials contemplated by thepresent subject matter include, but are not limited to, copper,aluminum, silver, other materials and alloys thereof. Other embodimentsuse additional shapes for the beams. Additional embodiments includealternate materials such as an anisotropic composite.

The illustration additionally shows a first case portion 502, a secondcase portion 512, an additional power source 510, and additionalelectronics 508. The inclusion of the additional power source 510 asillustrated is not limiting, as some embodiments of the present subjectmatter integrate all additional power sources into additional components514. Also, the inclusion of the additional electronics 508 asillustrated is not limiting, as some embodiments of the present subjectmatter integrate all additional electronics into additional components514.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a thermoelectric energy converter andadditional components disposed in a shunt, according to one embodimentof the present subject matter. The illustration shows thermoelectricenergy converter 602, shunt 606, and additional components 604. Invarious embodiments, additional components 604 include a battery. Insome embodiments, additional components 604 include a capacitor. Variousembodiments dispose electronics in shunt 606. Electronics include one ormore of pacemaker control circuits, cardioverter defibrillator circuits,and other circuits. A combination of components listed hereinadditionally are disposed in shunt 606, in various embodiments.Components not listed herein, or combinations of components not listedherein, may additionally be disposed in shunt 606. Some embodimentsinclude a solid shunt 606 having no components disposed within. Someembodiments include a hollow shunt 606 having no components disposedwithin.

In accordance with the requirements of components disposed in shunt 606,shunt 606 includes feedthrough provisions, in various embodiments. Forexample, in some battery embodiments, battery electrodes are disposed inshunt 606. In some of these embodiments, the anode of the battery isconnected to a feedthrough, and the cathode is connected to the shunt.In additional embodiments, the cathode is connected to a feedthrough,and the anode is connected to the shunt 606. Some embodiments include afeedthrough for the battery anode and the capacitor cathode.

Additionally, in some capacitor embodiments, capacitor electrodes aredisposed in shunt 606. In some of these embodiments, the anode of thecapacitor is connected to a feedthrough, and the cathode is connected tothe shunt. In additional embodiments, the cathode is connected to afeedthrough, and the anode is connected to the shunt 606. Someembodiments include a feedthrough for the capacitor anode and thecapacitor cathode.

It is important to note that in some embodiments, an electrolyte is incontact with the interior of the shunt 606, and functions as part of thecomponents housed in the shunt 606. For example, in some embodiments, acapacitor using the shunt 606 as a housing includes a thermallyconductive electrolyte which further benefits the heat conductingproperties of the shunt 606.

FIG. 7 shows a cross section of a shunt and a thermoelectric energyconverter, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Invarious embodiments, a thermoelectric energy converter 704 is disposedbetween a first shunt 702 and a second shunt 706. The first shunt 702and the second shunt 706 are respectively adjacent first and secondportions of a self-powered device housing, in various embodiments. Firstshunt 702 and second shunt 706 are solid in some embodiments. Additionalembodiments include one or both of the first shunt 702 and the second706 in a hollow configuration.

FIG. 8 is cross section or a self-powered device showing thermalgradients, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.The illustration shows a thermal representation of the temperature at afirst housing portion 804, a thermoelectric device 808, a shunt 806, asecond housing portion 812, an additional power source 810, andadditional electronics 802. Pictured is temperature gradient ΔT₂, whichin the illustrated example represents a temperature drop ofapproximately 0.9 degrees Celsius across the thermoelectric energyconverter. Such a temperature gradient is sufficient to provide power ofaround forty microwatts to one or both of the additional electronics 802and the additional power source 810. Other temperature gradients ΔT₂ andpower outputs fall within the present scope. Applications which couldproduce ΔT₂ include implantation below a patient's skin, with the firstcase portion 804 positioned subcutaneously. Embodiments of the presentsubject matter additionally include positioning a housing submuscularly.These power production examples are evinced in some of theconfigurations contemplated by the present subject matter, but are notintended to be limiting of the range of configurations contemplated bythe present subject matter. Additionally, the thermal gradients providedherein, and their relationship to power production, are those of exampleembodiments which are illustrative of the present subject matter, butnot demonstrative of the entire range of configurations contemplated bythe present subject matter.

Thermoelectric generators convert heat to electrical power. Thiselectrical power typically has current in the milliampere (mA) range andvoltage in the microvolt (μV) range. The voltage required by a typicalimplantable medical device is several orders of magnitude larger.Additionally, excess energy can be stored for future use, but mostenergy storage systems require voltages higher than what is generated bya thermoelectric generator. The present subject matter provides anapparatus and method for converting the output of a thermoelectricgenerator to voltages compatible with an implantable medical device.

FIG. 9 shows a circuit for converting power from a thermoelectric energyconverter, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Toprovide power in a form compatible with various loads, an energyconversion circuit is provided. In various embodiments, the electronicsof the present subject matter are adapted to control the conduction ofenergy between the thermoelectric energy converter and a power source.In some embodiments, these electronics control the transmission ofenergy to a secondary battery. In additional embodiments, theelectronics control the transmission of energy between a battery and adefibrillation capacitor. In some embodiments, the thermoelectric energyconverter powers a defibrillation capacitor concurrent with a battery.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an apparatus for convertingpower from a thermoelectric energy converter, according to oneembodiment of the present subject matter. The apparatus 900 includes aninput terminal 902 for receiving an input voltage generated by athermoelectric energy converter 920 and a charging inductor 904connected in series with the input terminal. The apparatus also includesa switching Field Effect Transistor (FET, 906) connected to theinductor. A capacitor 908 is connected to the FET and the input terminalvia a diode 910. According to various embodiments, the FET 906 isswitched with a frequency and duty cycle such that a voltage level atthe output terminal 912 is compatible with an implantable medicaldevice. Implantable medical devices refer to devices used for in situsensing and/or therapy delivery. Examples include, but are not limitedto, chronically implanted devices such as pacemakers,cardioverters/defibrillators, and neurostimulators.

The capacitor 908 has a capacitance of 1 μF, according to an embodiment.According to various embodiments, the charging inductor 904 includes ahand-wrapped wire inductor. The charging inductor 904 includes 22 turnsof 34 gauge wire, according to an embodiment. Other types and sizes ofinductors are within the scope of this disclosure. In variousembodiments, the apparatus provides power efficiency from the inputterminal 902 to the output terminal 912 of 20 to 30%. The FET 906 isswitched with a frequency of 10 kHz, according to one embodiment.According to various embodiments, the FET 906 is switched using a closedloop feedback system that controls the frequency and duty cycle based onan observed voltage level at the output terminal 912. The FET isswitched with a duty cycle of at least 90%, according to variousembodiments.

The apparatus functions as an inductive boost circuit. The depictedimplementation minimizes the number of circuit elements, and furtherreduces the need for customized circuit elements. The circuit elementsare appropriate for inclusion on an application-specific integratedcircuit (ASIC). The low part count allows for easy implementation andminimizes package size. The resistance of the inductor and FET areminimized to increase efficiency of the converter circuit.

The switching FET is selected to have a low resistance when switched“on”. According to an embodiment, the FET has an “on” resistance ofapproximately 40 ohms. The inductor is selected to have a low resistanceas well, to improve the efficiency of the apparatus. The apparatus takesas an input the relatively low voltage from the thermoelectric generator(8-100 μV, according to various embodiments) and builds the voltage onthe capacitor. The voltage level on the capacitor, or output voltage, isdetermined by the loading of the output circuit, the heat flux acrossthe thermoelectric generator, the efficiency of the thermoelectricgenerator, and the pulse frequency and duty cycle of the switching FET.The frequency and duty cycle can by controlled using a closed loopsystem. According to an embodiment, the frequency and duty cycle arecontrolled using logic. The frequency and duty cycle are controlledusing pulse-width modulation, according to an embodiment. An oscillatingsupply 914 connected to the gate of the FET 906 via logic 916 can beused to set and adjust frequency and duty cycle. In an embodiment, theoscillating supply is controlled using feedback from an observed outputvoltage.

The FET 906 includes circuit element model IRF7530, for example, in anembodiment. The diode 910 includes circuit element model 1N4148, forexample, in an embodiment. Other circuit elements having the similarcharacteristics can be used without departing from the scope of thedisclosure.

Some embodiments of the present subject matter include methods ofimplanting a device having a thermoelectric energy converter of thepresent subject matter in a patient such that the first housing portionis positioned subcutaneously. Embodiments of the present subject matteradditionally include positioning a housing submuscularly. Some of theseembodiments position the housing of between the pectoral muscle and theskin. The present subject matter includes additional embodiments,however, which position the device in other areas of the body.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application isintended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subjectmatter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended tobe illustrative, and not restrictive. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill inthe art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the presentsubject matter should be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

1. An apparatus, comprising: an implantable housing that includes afirst portion that is metallic and thermally conductive and a secondportion that is metallic and thermally conductive, the first portion andthe second portion joined and hermetically sealed together defining aninterior volume, with the first portion in direct thermal conductionwith the second portion; a thermal shunt disposed and sealed in theinterior volume of the housing, with the thermal shunt thermallyconductive to the first portion of the housing; and thermoelectricenergy converter electronics disposed and sealed in the interior volumeof the housing, the thermoelectric energy converter electronicsincluding a hot pole and a cold pole, with the hot pole thermallyconductive to the first portion of the housing and the thermal shunt andthe cold pole thermally conductive to the second portion of the housing,wherein the thermoelectric energy converter electronics are adapted toconvert a temperature differential between the first portion of thehousing and the second portion of the housing to provide power for atleast part of the apparatus.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thethermal shunt includes copper.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thethermal shunt includes a heat pipe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe thermoelectric energy converter electronics include a thermopile. 5.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shunt includes one or more beamsextending through a capacitor, the capacitor being disposed in thehousing.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shunt includes one ormore beams extending through a battery, the battery being disposed inthe housing.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first portionincludes titanium.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising athermally conductive grease disposed between the hot pole and the firstportion of the housing, and further disposed between the cold pole andthe thermal shunt.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shuntdefines a shunt interior volume in which a battery is disposed.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein the battery is a secondary battery, andthermoelectric energy converter electronics are adapted to charge thebattery.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the thermoelectric energyconverter electronics are disposed in the shunt interior volume.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the shunt is an anisotropic composite. 13.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the anisotropic composite includescarbon fiber suspended at least partially in a cured resin.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric energy converterelectronics include a thin film thermoelectric energy converter.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the thermoelectric energy converterelectronics are less than 0.100 inches thick.
 16. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the apparatus includes a primary battery adapted to power adefibrillation capacitor.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein thethermoelectric energy converter electronics are adapted to powerpacemaker electronics.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theapparatus includes a secondary battery, and the thermoelectric energyconverter electronics are adapted to charge the secondary battery. 19.The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the secondary battery is adapted topower pacing electronics.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein thesecondary battery is adapted to power a defibrillation capacitor.
 21. Anapparatus, comprising: thermoelectric energy conversion means forconverting a temperature differential into energy; a hermetically sealedmetallic housing, the housing including a first thermally conductiveportion joined to a second thermally conductive portion, with the firstportion in direct thermal conduction with the second portion, the firstportion and the second portion defining an interior, with each of thethermoelectric energy conversion means and cardiac rhythm managementelectronics disposed in the interior; and shunt means for conductingthermal energy from the housing to the thermoelectric energy conversionmeans, the shunt means disposed in the interior, wherein thethermoelectric energy conversion means and the shunt means are forconverting a temperature differential, between the first portion of thehermetically sealed metallic housing and the second portion of thehermetically sealed metallic housing, across the shunt means, intoelectrical energy for use by the cardiac rhythm management electronics.22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the shunt means includes a coppershunt positioned between the first portion and a thermoelectric energyconverter.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectricenergy converter is adapted to provide power for at least part of theapparatus with a thermal gradient of approximately 0.5 degrees Celsiusto approximately 4.3 degrees Celsius.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein the thermoelectric energy conversion means are for providingpower for at least part of the apparatus with a thermal gradient ofapproximately 0.5 degrees Celsius to approximately 4.3 degrees Celsius.25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first portion and the secondportion are formed of titanium.
 26. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first portion and the second portion are welded together.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the first portion and the second portionare welded together.
 28. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a seam isdefined between the first portion and the second portion.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein a seam is defined between the firstportion and the second portion.